I'm a maintenance tech at an apartment complex in Las Vegas. Summer is upon us, and numerous A/C units are malfunctioning due to leaks, thermal overloads, etc. I am seeking time saving ways to complete A/C repairs. I understand there is a way to pump down/move refrigerant from the coils directly into the compressor without recovering them into the pressurized cans first. How is this done?

Running in AC mode shut down the high side valve at the "King Valve" at the outdoor service port, when you're PSI pumps down to 0 PSI shut the low side valve then cut off or kill power to outdoor unit. Just remember when done to pull VAC before you open the valves to let the freon go back into the lines and evap. No it does not matter what valve you open first -)

ServiceManager is correct. Only because the OP indicated this is in an apartment complex I would like to point -1. This will only work with split systems. Not packaged unit i.e. PTAC2. And only if the leak or trouble is in the evaporator section or line sets.If the leak or problem is in the condensing unit you will not be able to use this procedure. You will have to use the recovery method.